A world where all women can express their needs and priorities and where Government listens and acts so that the needs of all women are at the heart of Government policy.

A world in which every human being is respected and is able to achieve their potential, living free from harm and discrimination.

Support, advise and encourage the women's sector to enable all women's voices to be heard effectively;

Act as a conduit for all those voices, in order to both advise and to hold Government to account;

Promote women's equality;

Ensure the views and experiences of as many women as possible are represented to Government to promote women's equality and change;

Ensure that where possible, women's opinions are communicated to Government so that they can be taken into account when laws are made and policies decided;

As far as possible, seek the views of and empower, socially excluded and marginalised women; and

Disseminate messages from Government across the women's equality sector.

Individual women;

Individual partners;

Partner organisations;

Individual women's organisations;

Ministers for Women;

Other organisations that represent women

Organisations with a core commitment to women's equality; and

GEO and OGD officials

High level Business Plan for 2008-09 agreed with GEO and Ministers;

Detailed Business Plan for 2008-09 agreed with GEO and Ministers

budget for 2008-09 set with delegation letter;

quarterly update meetings between WNC and GEO

produce Annual Report for 2007-08;

Preparations for 2009-10 Business plan underway.

2008-09 High Level Business Plan completed and agreed;

2008-09 Detailed Business Plan completed and agreed

WNC budget agreed and delegation letter received;

2007-08 Annual Report completed by end of June 08;

quarterly meetings take place;

activity on 2009-10 Business Plan begins

Continue to monitor progress on actions;

agree MoU and other connected documents;

provide updates on project plan to Director and Board;

Ensure realistic timeline in place for remaining activity.

Action on each recommendation progressed to completion where possible;

Project Chart of activity maintained;

Progress monitored and Director and Board provided with regular updates.

GEO given regular updates.

Four meetings of the Board organised for agreed dates;

agenda and papers agreed by Director and Chair;

minutes and actions from meetings recorded, agreed and actioned to agreed targets;

Chair briefed appropriately.

Speakers secured according to agreed timetable.

Financial report made to Board.

Governance issues incl register of interests regular agenda item.

Update reports given from Chair and Director.

Updates given from Commissioners on WNC activity.

Commissioners meetings take place in June 08, October 08, December 08 and March 09;

new Commissioners are inducted to WNC and all necessary information is provided;

Accurate management and administration of payment of Commissioners' working days.

Register of interests updated on website after every quarterly meeting.

Commissioners informed and set the overall strategic direction of the WNC.

Commissioners liaise regularly with Directorate;

Identify and take forward possible work areas

identify stakeholders with Directorate

Report to Board

lead partner events;

lead relevant debates in Parliament;

take a lead role on outreach work;

Update Directorate on their activity.

Chair working groups

Respond to consultations

Board feel informed and able to engage

Inform Board fully on relevant issues

Report on delivery of results by monitoring performance against strategic objectives

Provide Annual report that accurately reflects the WNC year.

Clarifying Commissioners` roles and where to add value to WNC.

Engage in collective considerations of issues

Oversee delivery of results by monitoring performance against strategic objectives

Agree the Annual Report

Respond appropriately to complaints

Bring in external perspectives and acting as ambassadors for WNC.

Directorate to seek views of Chair on desirability of event; suggest proposals to Chair; plan and organise event, ensuring Chair is regularly updated on progress.

Venues identified, agendas and arrangements agreed;

Awayday takes place

Effectiveness monitored and feedback sought.

Training and development for staff identified;

LM agrees appropriateness;

Director authorises expenditure.

Appropriate training take place

Effectiveness monitored.

Arrange and agree aims, objectives and agenda

Improved working

Staff integrated into WNC

Clear aims and objectives for coming year

Staffing levels planned and communicated quickly;

recruitment takes place

Staff in place to take forward agreed business plan.

Assess need and order equipment, e.g. IT services, and stationery

Appropriate equipment supplied according to need and budget.

Regularly update database to identify gaps;

create a new, tailor-made partners database;

maintain and update partners' categories;

Cross-reference with WORGS document.

Partnership database is frequently updated;

gaps in partnership base clearly identified;

`Women's Organisations in the United Kingdom' directory maintained and available on website.

Regular meeting dates agreed;

Chair briefed in advance of meetings;

Consideration given on expanding group to include under-represented groups.

Meeting dates agreed and meetings take place;

briefing with Chair takes place;

pre-Ministerial meeting arranged with 6 O members;

Approach to involving more diverse representatives agreed.

Maintain partners contacts to nurture and build trust;

improve communications;

maintain website and newsletter;

keep partners updated on WNC's

Positive feedback from partners and stakeholders on new website and Newsletter received;

Similar for any specific feedback consultations that may be run.

Effective relationships and communication with under represented groups.

Under represented partners feel involved with and able to participate in WNC activities.

Hold two events in the English regions;

Hold one further event held focusing specifically on identified under-represented groups;

Monitor and evaluate info on new partners; highlighting the priorities of the Ministers for Women.

Under-represented groups

Hold one event in each devolved Nation every year ensuring the Ministers for Women's priorities are highlighted;

Monitor involvement of partners from devolved nations;

Consider pilot Newsletter for each Nation;

Arrange annual meetings with Women/Equality Ministers in devolved Nations;

One event held in each of the Nations during the year; meetings held with Women/ Equality Ministers in Nations;

Noticeable improved representation on working groups, by partners in devolved regions.

fairer representation on Working Groups

Examine ways to raise WNC profile

WNC publications reprinted

Monitor website hits

Review scope of information on website

Commissioners write for website and newsletter

Views sought online and via outreach events and fed to GEO, Commissioners and Ministers.

Maintain WNC publications and make available in different languages and Braille.

New website successfully launched;

improvements to Newsletter, monitoring feedback;

strong links with a wider range of partners;

increased visits to website;

increased knowledge across equality sector;

more information provided to Directorate by Commissioners on activity;

Documents produced to demand.

Women better informed of Govt position and views fed back to Govt.

Support Commissioners to organise and run two policy-focused events, based on their areas/expertise, e.g. violence;

Commissioners to each recruit 10 new Partners;

Commissioners to work with cross-party political representatives; and keep Directorate up to date.

Greater diversity and number of women attending events;

Increase in number of WNC partners, especially from under-represented groups;

Each Commissioner recruits approx. 10 new partners;

Evidence of events arranged or meetings attended, involving mix of Parliamentarians;

Commissioners regularly update Directorate.

Continue creating new Website;

ensure content is relevant and useful;

partners' section developed;

Obtain feedback from partners and others.

Website launched with up to date checks on content and appearance;

partners' feedback sought and any action taken;

Six-month report on success and reaction so far.

Views obtained from Commissioners and Directorate;

design companies approached for ideas;

Resource implication considered.

Plan approach for producing a new WNC design;

views sought and received and resource implications examined;

New WNC logo design produced and published.

Views sought from the Board on approach;

Plan and timeline produced for re-launch.

Board and GEO consulted; agree a set of announcements to make;

re-launch takes place;

Greater awareness of and contact from stakeholders throughout the year.

Partners' views forwarded to GEO officials; particular `hot topics' fed back to GEO, including on the Ministerial priorities;

possible online consultations on specific issues;

e-list of Parliamentarians produced;

To `piggyback' more events of partners and key stakeholders.

Feedback from partners passed to GEO, including `hot topics';

specific consultations carried out;

Parliamentary e-list created and sustained;

Increased attendance at partners' and others' events.

Consideration to holding Partners' Conference this year or next and outside London;

plan produced

Decision taken on when and where Partners' Conference takes place;

bids for funding made to contacts;

detailed project plan produced;

Successful Partners' Conference takes place.

Documents identified and printed for inclusion in packs; folders and other stationary, available

Documents prepared; sufficient stationary is available;

Packs produced and are available for use.

Attend partners' main events; analyse and use information from partnership application forms;

facilitate exchange of advice and information between partners;

Continue co-ordinating meetings of 6 O Group with Ministers.

Greater attendance at partners' main events; stronger engagement with partners;

Better information sharing and communications between partners.

Ensure partners include a link to WNC website from their own website;

WORGS maintained and on website and hard copies available.

E-mail all partners to request website links are made;

carry out spot-check on leading partners' websites to check WNC link included;

WORGS Directory (split into A-Z regions and interest) maintained and available on website and in hard copy.

Establish group of partners;

liaise closely with GEO and PO;

Seek and analyse feedback from partners and GEO.

Increased dialogue between Ministers and BME women and OGDs

Carry out analysis of database to assess gap;

seek advice from sector on how best to target work;

agree set of actions to implement.

Mainstream into outreach activity

Increase in BME partners for WNC

Support and facilitate quarterly and ad hoc VAW meetings and associated sub group meetings.

Ensure sub groups inform main group on sector specific issues

Work with VAWWG members to coordinate implementation and review progress of the VAWWG work plan for 2008/09

Continue to facilitate communication between DV and SV sectors to provide a cohesive response to the development of Service Standards and Occupational Standards

Improved communication between VAW partners

Work plan developed and priorities implemented

A coherent position on VAW issues that is consistently communicated to inform policy and other initiatives.

Improved communication and understanding between the VAW sector and Government

Minimum of 4 VAWWG meetings take place annually (2 April, 16 April, 1 October plus one further)

Identify consultation priorities;

consult VAWWG and co-ordinate feedback to inform consultation responses

Identify and take up additional opportunities to promote VAWWG position(s) to inform policy and service development issues outside formal consultation processes

Increased and improved consultation by Government with VAW sector

Consistency of response from VAW sector which informs Government priorities

Increased capacity for VAW sector to influence and inform policy, service development issues and Government priorities.

Establish system for circulating GEO questions for VAWWG in advance of the meetings

Ensure GEO attendance at all VAW meetings to receive feedback and give update on Government work

Liaise with, inform and support GEO work on VAW in line with MfW priorities, in between VAWWG meetings - extent of support subject to capacity and resources

VAWWG regularly updated on work programme and priorities of GEO:

VAWWG informs works of GEO and MFW priorities on VAW

Improved communication and consultation between VAW sector and GEO

Ensure regular attendance by Government officials other than GEO to give updates and receive expert feedback from the VAW sector eg.

April 08: Forced Marriage Unit and MARAC

July 08: faith, service commissioners, third sector and EHRC representatives,

Support the VAWWG Chair to continue correspondence with OGDs, and agree meetings as necessary.

Liaise with and inform officials leading on VAW across Government Departments and attend DV/SV VU meetings as necessary

Improved communication and relationships between VAW sector and other stakeholders and partner agencies

VAWWG regularly updated on the work of OGDs, partner agencies and stakeholders.

VAWWG informs the work of OGDs in relation to VAW.

VAWWG informs the work of partners' agencies and other stakeholders in relation to VAW.

Circulate relevant information to VAWWG via weekly E-News and ad-hoc emails

Regularly review and update WNC website on VAW issues, VAWWG priorities work progress and briefings and include links to members' website where appropriate.

Ensure VAW issues and VAWWG priorities are included in WNC Newsletter

Ensure VAW issues and VAWWG priorities are represented and inform cross cutting WNC work areas including Outreach, Migration and Asylum and International work and equality strands

Promote VAWWG position and priorities across relevant All Party Groups, attending meetings and liaising with secretariats and chairs of groups as necessary

VAWWG regularly informed and updated on VAW issues and information

VAW issues and work publicised and regularly updated on the WNC

VAW issues promoted amongst wider membership.

VAW issues and work inform and are included in WNC regional events, work programme and other priorities.

Increased content and effective liaison with relevant APPGs.

Regularly review and update contacts database, and E Group mailing list,

Review attending members in accordance with agreed terms of Reference.

Take action to address any gaps in membership encouraging representation from experts in violence experienced by BMER women, disabled women, lesbian and bisexual women, young and older women, transgender women, gypsy and traveller women and women's organisations.

Up to date and accurate list of VAWWG members

Improved representation from under-represented groups

Participate in the work of an Expert Group

Work with partners and stakeholders to advise on strategy development and implementation.

Inform and consult partners and stakeholders as necessary.

Integrated and strategic Cross-Government approach to ending VAW developed

VAW WG, Partners and stakeholders involved and fully informed in process.

Support the SVPMG to monitor, inform and review policy and other initiatives including:

implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2003;

how sexual violence is addressed through government policy delivery mechanisms (e.g PSAs. Sexual Violence, Prostitution and Trafficking Action Plans);

the Home Office Violent Crime Action Plan

sources of funding and provision for sexual violence service

Improved understanding by partners and government departments of the impact of legislation, policy and action plans on sexual violence service provision and funding

Improved engagement and consultation with government on proposed developments and amendments to policy, legislation and other initiatives.

Engage government departments and officials in the work of the Group by inviting them to speak and to gain expert feedback from the group as necessary.

Support and facilitate interim meetings and email contact between SVPMG and government officials and Ministers e.g. to seek support for the Rape Crisis Network.

Engage other partnerships and agencies in the work of the group - e.g. April: National Policing Improvement Agency.

produce Working Group briefings, and provide information and expertise to contribute to WNC briefings to inform government officials and other partners (eg on Prostitution, trafficking, VAW and the Olympics.)

Inform pornography consultation

Improved communication and consultation between SVPMG and government on issues concerning sexual violence.

Effective contribution from Group members on sexual violence to inform WNC documents and correspondence.

Group influences Government departments and service commissioners to secure support for the Rape Crisis network.

Regular authoritative briefings produced by the Group.

Improved communication between the Group and other partners on sexual violence issues.

Support the SVPMG to consult on and agree an annual work plan which identifies priorities, timescales and lead members to progress actions.

Ensure the work plan is consistent with WNC Business Plan, VAWWG and other sub group priorities, and that progress is regularly reported at VAWWG meetings.

Work with DVAG to identify and progress cross-cutting priorities and actions.

Monitor progress and review the SVPMG work plan annually.

Work plan is agreed, implemented and supports progress of WNC and VAWWG priorities.

Work plan is regularly monitored and reviewed and progress reported to VAWWG.

SVPMG members attend relevant events to raise awareness of sexual violence and the need to address it in schools and education settings;

SVPMG to raise awareness amongst other organisations e.g. with the EHRC, the Equality and Diversity Forum as well as statutory bodies.

SV and its prevention is through education is more widely recognised amongst educators and Ministers.

Support the DVAG to monitor, inform and review policy and other initiatives including eg-

The Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act, Forced Marriage Act and other related legislation;

the Violent Crime Action Plan,

how domestic violence is addressed through government policy delivery mechanisms

sources of funding and provision for domestic violence services, issues concerning BME women facing domestic violence as well as those with no recourse to public funds -

Improved understanding by partners and government departments of the impact of legislation, policy and action plans on domestic violence service provision and funding

Improved engagement and consultation with government on proposed developments and amendments to policy, legislation and other initiatives.

Engage government departments and officials in the work of the Group by inviting them to speak and to gain expert feedback from the group as necessary.

Support and facilitate interim meetings and email contact between DVAG and government officials and Ministers

Engage other partnerships and agencies in the work of the group as necessary

DVAG members to produce Working Group briefings, and provide information and expertise to contribute to WNC briefings, on domestic violence issues to inform government officials and other partners.